Filmmaking, MA

​​We are excited to welcome you onto your MA journey with a programme of welcome activities.  

This series of introductory activities has been designed to help you transition smoothly into university life.

You'll receive crucial information to start your studies on the right foot, meet our dedicated staff, connect with your fellow students, and familiarize yourself with the campus​.

​​Designed to enhance your practical abilities, project development skills and explore inter-disciplinary interactions, our MA program builds upon students’ existing expertise, developing advanced key skills, concepts and knowledge of film and media pre-production.

You will express your creativity through the essential elements of production allowing you to explore your artistic and creative aspirations. 

Teaching is through practical workshops and lectures, and you will have access to Blackboard, our Virtual Learning Environment.

Course Structure

​Trimester 1:

Practical Skills for Filmmaking

During this module, you will produce a number of practical exercises designed to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the filmmaking process to a high level.

You will learn advanced techniques related to fiction and documentary where you will create several short films. There is emphasis placed on key practical skills relevant to creative film production, with a focus on camera, lighting, sound and editing.

Learning takes place through lectures, workshops, and the creation of practical exercises. Module Lead: Eddie McMillan and Tim Jones

Creative Collaborations

This module will equip you with the skills and insights to explore how different sectors of the creative industries intersect, working on a live or simulated project with peers, external partners or across disciplines

​Trimester 2

Pre-Production for Fiction and Documentary

This module provides an intensive exploration of the pre-production process for film in fiction or documentary for your major project.

You will be set a number of development exercises leading to the completion of pre-production materials. 

During the module, you will also be able to advance your script to screen skills by broadening your awareness and understanding of the processes of directing and producing either a fiction or documentary film. Module Lead: Eddie McMillan and jane Milton.

​Trimester 3

Professional Film Futures.

The module will focus on elevating key employability skills to enable you to take your next step in the film industry.

You will learn about the festival circuit, the film sector, content generation, networking with industry professionals, researching key film companies, and creating your own online profile.

Emphasis is placed on the ways in which you can present most effectively the skills, knowledge and understanding of your chosen film path to build your professional identity.

You will also be encouraged to attend festivals and film events to develop your professional network and explore professional film opportunities. Module Lead: Jane Milton

​​Major Project

This module empowers you to develop a major project that reflects your unique skills, ambitions, and career goals.

Whether it's a creative, written, practice-based or practice-led project, you'll tackle real-world issues and produce professional-quality work.

With the freedom to work individually or collaboratively, and across disciplines, you will apply your learning on the course to a substantive project of your choice.

Supported by expert guidance, this is your opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity. Module Lead: Matt Wright​

Your remaining credits will come from completing one of our PG Challenge modules.

There is no compulsory reading you need to do before you join the course, but as a general catch all text, Bordwell and Thompson’s ‘Film Art’ (McGraw Hill; 13th edition 13 Oct. 2023) is highly recommended.

In addition, try to watch as many films as you can, and get into the habit of making your own notes about production techniques and storytelling.